Th1 (IL-2, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) and Th2 (IL-10, IL-4) cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Abstract

We investigated the production of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐4 by PBMC from 24 patients with SLE and 10 healthy individuals. Basal and mitogen‐stimulated (lipopolysaccharide and phytohaemagglutinin (LPS + PHA)) cytokine production was determined in a whole blood assay (WBA). Supernatants were collected and assayed with specific ELISAs. Although the IL‐2 and IFN‐γ contents did not differ significantly between patients and controls under both conditions, statistically significant correlations were found between each cytokine and disease activity (SLAM index) after stimulation (respectively, r= 0.501, P = 0.01 and r = 0.631, P = 0.001). PBMC IL‐10 production was significantly higher for patients than controls (P = 0.05), but no correlation between IL‐10 levels and the SLAM index was obtained. IL‐4 production was not statistically different between SLE patients and controls. For stimulated WBAs, the IL‐10/IL‐2 and IL‐10/IFN‐γ ratios were significantly correlated with disease severity (P = 0.02; P = 0.001, respectively). Overall, our data suggest that SLE is characterized by an elevated production of IL‐10, reflecting the basal state of activation of the immune system. During exacerbation of SLE, IL‐2 and IFN‐γ are synthesized in larger amounts and may cause the tissue damage observed.

Cytokine IL-6 and IL-10 as Biomarkers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…IFN-γ is a key cytokine that controls Th1-dependent immune responses. Concentrations of IFN-γ are increased in SLE patients, and the production of IFN-γ by PBMCs from SLE patients is significantly correlated with global disease activity [13,29]. In the present study, we observed an increase of IFN-γ in SLE patients compared with normal and disease controls, but negative correlation with C3 and C4.…”

Serum Levels and in Vitro Production of Th1- and Th2-Type Cytokines by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients Suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…The IFN-g serum concentrations and its production by PBMC were found in some studies to be increased (28,29), unchanged (23,30) and decreased (31,32). In this study, serum IFN-g levels in SLE patients were not significantly different neither from those of healthy controls nor LV patients.…”

“…The serum levels of this cytokine, to our knowledge, have not been reported. However, its production by PBMC was reported to be increased in CD8(±) cells (31,34), unchanged (30) or decreased (29) in SLE , compared to control PBMC derived from healthy subjects. In this report, IL-4 basal production by PBMC derived from SLE patients was slightly, but significantly, increased in comparison with that of control cells.…”

A whole genome methylation analysis of systemic lupus erythematosus: hypomethylation of the IL10 and IL1R2 promoters is associated with disease activity

“…19,20 In particular, a switch from a type I to a type II T-helper has been demonstrated, where the serum levels of the Th-2 cytokines such as interleukin IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 are elevated, while there is an observed decrease in the production of Th-1 cytokines including IL-1, IL-2 and interferon IFN-g. 1,21,22 Among these cytokines, IL-10 seems to play a central role in the pathogenesis of SLE as well as in disease flare induction. 1 IL-10 is an important immunoregulatory cytokine that inhibits T-cell function, inhibits antigen-presenting cells and promotes B-cell-mediated functions.…”